Coyotes at Sochi: Michalek

Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek is playing for Czech Republic at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE: This is Michalek's second appearance at the Olympics. He played in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Czech Republic placed fifth that year.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Photo by Norm Hall.

2013: Played in eight games and registered 3-1-4 with Czech Republic at the IIHF World Championship in Stockholm, Sweden and Helsinki, Finland.

2011: Helped lead Czech Republic to a bronze medal at the IIHF World Championship in Slovakia…Played in eight games recording one assist and six penalty minutes.

2010: Played in five games for Czech Republic at the Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C.

2008: Played for Czech Republic at the IIHF World Championship in Halifax and Quebec City, appearing in seven games.

2007: Played for Team Czech Republic at IIHF World Championship in Moscow…Registered an assist in seven games.

2006: Represented Czech Republic at the IIHF World Championship in Latvia, recording three goals and six penalty minutes in nine games to help team win the silver medal.

FUN FACT: Michalek's younger brother, Milan, also is on Czech Republic's team. They played together at the 2010 Olympics, too.

HE SAID IT:

On playing at the Olympics:

"As a small kid you dream about playing in the Stanley Cup Final and playing in the Olympics. It's a dream come true for every one of us."

On playing for his country:

"I take a lot of pride in playing for my country. It's a special feeling when you put that jersey on and go on the ice and battle for your country, and when they play our national anthem before or after the game. I know everyone is watching back home and I want to make them proud and happy. Hockey is very popular back home and people root for us and they are not happy when we don't do well. So, it's a responsibility and we want to make them proud and do our best."

On playing with brother Milan at the Olympics:

"It's very special. Playing at the Olympics is cool enough but getting to play for my country alongside my brother, I don't know if there's anything else you can ask for. Our whole family is really excited. It's going to be a lot fo fun."